2020 Election – Bill Health Plan – Independent Review for Pharmac, Reduction in Number of Health Boards

Act wants an independent review of Pharmac with leader David Seymour saying there are too many “heartbreaking cases” of people being denied the medication they need.

He also wants to reduce the number of health boards from 20 to six to “cut red tape in our health system and put people first.”

“New Zealanders deserve world-class medical care,” said Seymour.

“People in this country should not languish on waiting lists or live with chronic pain and illness.

“To cut waste and put people back at the center of the system, we reduced the number of DHBs from 20 to six, four in the North Island and two in the South Island.

“This will save approximately $ 50 million a year in overhead that can be spent on patient care.”

The party of one, which now has a high enough vote to attract as many as eight deputies, launched its health policy today.

Seymour says Pharmac, the drug purchasing agency created more than 27 years ago, needs to change to keep up.

An independent review, conducted by an independent and trained committee that includes public and private sector expertise, would allow for greater transparency and more opportunity in decision-making, Seymour said.

“The decisions Pharmac makes can mean life or death.

“Having access to the right medications can make a difference in a person’s quality of life, whether they experience chronic pain or are able to work.

“We have to do this right.”

Pharmac’s model and operating framework was established 27 years ago and there have been no material changes since then, he said.

“Pharmac has played an important role in managing and restricting public spending on drugs, especially in the purchase of mass-use drugs in bulk and on budget.

“But the world of drugs has changed, and a rapid flow of highly sophisticated and expensive next-generation drugs is transforming patient outcomes.

“In many cases, the taxpayer could save money by keeping people working or saving on other health care interventions if more pharmaceuticals were funded. However, the current funding model does not consider these possibilities, it only finances a drug if it is more. effective than others within a given budget.

“A review must be carried out by an independent and trained committee that includes the experience of the public and private sectors.

“As an MP-electorate, I have dealt with too many heartbreaking cases in which voters have struggled to get the medications they need to survive or live pain free. This review will ensure that more New Zealanders can live the best possible life.